Bird muck

[Geoff_Peace]

Old “double duck” roofs were 2 sheets of cotton canvas (duck) with a water proof rubber membrane in between. They were heavy, faded and rotted, and went mildew. There may have been some benefit applying dressings.

New “mohair” roofs (80’s onwards) are similar double duck construction with a waterproof inter-layer but are made of acrylic yarn (not cotton or Angora goat, they perhaps get the name from the slight shine of the fabric).

These modern hoods are very colour fast and UV stable. They are essentially plastic and don’t need dressings or to bead-up water to be waterproof and it may even seal the muck in and make them harder to wash.

 

 

I find your post most interesting Rich M.  I have questioned this 'beading up’before.  My hood is nine years old looks like new, beads up, yes I think so, but it does not leak.  It has only ever been washed with plain water, the car is garaged, does not go out on salted roads in winter etc. in other words thoroughly spoilt!  I am of the opinion that any treatment could do more harm than good and many owners may be treating the roof when it is not needed.   The mohair roof seems very pliable in normal temperatures, the waterproof membrane must be plastic, as you say.  Rubber would have perished before now.  I think damage my occur if the roof was lowered, i.e. flexed in freezing conditions, I think there is a warning about this in the handbook.  Rather like walking on a flat felted house roof in the same temperatures, it will be brittle and will crack.   Since this is my first soft top my only previous experience would be of the old rubber/canvas duck you describe, on army Land Rovers, Bedford three tonners etc.  The army used a waterproofer on the ragtops, as they were known, supplied by Blacks of Greenock, near Glasgow. It was very effective and long lasting, but, can I remember the name of it!   Perhaps another oldie like myself may remember.

Regards  Geoff Peace

Regards Geoff Peace.

[Rich_M]

Hi Geoff, yes no dressing’s suggested by Mazda or suppliers of the hoods, just a wash with neutral detergent and hose off. Regular washing seems to be the key and perhaps the kits provide some focussed effort if the roof’s been neglected.